A festive weekend to get in the spirit in and around New Orleans

Even after surviving a 13-hour holiday drive to see relatives, the kiddos and I are looking forward to getting back on the road for one of my favorite holiday activities, St. Francesville's "Christmas in the Country" event.

The Times-Picayune ArchiveFILE PHOTO: In 2005, Dr. Harold Ginzburg climbs down a ladder after lighting the menorah to mark the fifth day of Chanukah during the Chabad-Lubavitch 17th annual "Chanukah at the Riverwalk" celebration.

Each year, the city hosts a weekend of family fun. Residents decorate their Victorian homes with thousands of white lights, and tonight at 5:30 p.m. they'll light the city's tree. Later, there will be a fireworks show.

On Saturday, the highlight of the day is the "SaintsSational Christmas" parade that will celebrate the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl win and pay tribute to the local high school team, The West Feliciana Saints. The parade kicks off at 2 p.m. and features floats, local celebrities and Santa pulling a sleigh.

Carolers sing in front of many of the shops and goodies are passed out at almost every stop. If you're heading out, stop at the live nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Baptist Church at Highways 10 and 61.

If you expect to attend, however, you'll want to have a plan. It takes about an hour and half to drive from New Orleans and parking can be tough, so give yourself plenty of time.

On Sunday, we plan to head to "Chanukah @ Riverwalk" downtown at the Spanish Plaza. Activities are from 4 to 6 p.m., with the menorah lighting at 5 p.m. Kosher Cajun will sell refreshments. Other activities include dance and musical presentations, a dreidel and gelt giveaway and a hot latke bar.

For details on St. Francisville "Christmas in the Country" visit stfrancisville.net or call St. Francisville Main Street 225.635.3873. For Chanukah @ Riverwalk details visit chabadneworleans.com/chanukah or call 504.302.1830.